Underwriter

Venbrook•New York, FL

About The Position

The Excess Liability Insurance Underwriter evaluates, selects, and prices excess and surplus (E&S) casualty risks within delegated underwriting authority. This is a technical carrier underwriting role focused on sound risk selection, disciplined pricing, portfolio profitability, and documentation quality across a broad range of target classes including contracting/wrap-up/project-specific risks, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposures. The underwriter works within the carrier’s underwriting guidelines and appetite to make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in excess casualty or surplus lines underwriting
Experience making binding underwriting decisions within a delegated authority framework
Strong technical knowledge of E&S casualty coverage structures, attachment points, and pricing methodology
Ability to analyze complex risk submissions, loss data, and exposure information to reach sound underwriting conclusions
Solid understanding of surplus lines regulations and E&S market placement
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document and defend underwriting decisions
Proficiency with underwriting platforms, rating tools, and productivity software
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, risk management, or a related field

Nice To Haves

Professional designations such as CPCU, ARM, or AU
Experience underwriting across multiple casualty classes including contracting, product liability, real estate, and institutional risks
Familiarity with actuarial pricing models and loss development concepts

Responsibilities

Analyze complex excess casualty risk submissions, including underlying primary programs, loss history, and exposure data
Evaluate risks across target classes including contracting/wrap-up/project-specific, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposures
Underwrite excess and surplus (E&S) lines submissions that fall outside standard market appetite
Make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements within delegated underwriting authority
Determine appropriate coverage structures, attachment points, limits, terms, conditions, and endorsements in accordance with underwriting guidelines
Refer risks outside delegated authority to senior underwriting leadership with a clear, documented recommendation
Apply surplus lines regulatory knowledge in structuring and transacting placements appropriately
Maintain a profitable book of business through disciplined risk selection and consistent application of underwriting guidelines
Monitor loss trends, emerging risks, and E&S market conditions to adjust underwriting strategies
Collaborate with carrier actuarial teams to refine pricing models and ensure rate adequacy
Identify and escalate portfolio-level concerns, deteriorating segments, or appetite shifts to leadership
Participate in audits and internal reviews to ensure compliance with underwriting standards
Maintain effective working relationships with wholesale brokers within the carrier’s distribution model
Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally, including rationale for pricing, structure, or coverage changes
Provide guidance to brokers on risk characteristics, carrier appetite, and submission requirements
Represent the carrier at industry events, broker meetings, and training sessions as appropriate
Prepare clear, accurate underwriting files that document the basis for each binding decision
Ensure all transactions adhere to surplus lines regulatory requirements, internal policies, and delegated authority limits
Maintain thorough knowledge of underwriting guidelines, carrier appetite, and state-specific insurance laws
Stay current on legal developments and emerging excess casualty liability trends